Lemon eucalyptus oil, the common name of one of the natural oils obtained from the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, has gained popularity as an insect repellant. This use is important when you consider the dangers of DEET and other toxic solutions, and want to steer clear of them.

What Is Lemon Eucalyptus Oil?

Lemon eucalyptus oil is extracted from the leaves and twigs of the lemon-scented gum eucalyptus plant, also known as Eucalyptus citriodora or Corymbia citriodora.

The lemon eucalyptus is a tall tree that grows up to 50 meters tall and comes from the temperate and tropical northeastern Australia.¹ Its name is derived from the Latin term citriodorus meaning “lemon-scented,” and is in demand for structural timber and for honey production. It is also popular in horticulture both in and outside of Australia.

Uses of Lemon Eucalyptus Oil

Usually extracted through steam distillation, the essential oil³ has a pale yellow color and a thin consistency. It smells sweet, lemony, and fresh, with a woody hint. Note, however, that this pure oil is not registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an insect repellant.

PMD or the refined version, on the other hand, has a long history of use but only recently became important as a commercial repellent in the country. For many years, it has been used in China as a product called Quwenling, meaning “effective repellent of mosquitoes.” American researchers initiated product investigation in the early 1990s and identified PMD as the active ingredient.

In 2000, the EPA registered oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD as a “biopesticide repellent,” meaning it is derived from natural materials. The resulting products can be applied to human skin and clothing for repelling insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, and gnats. They are formulated as a spray or a lotion.